How do I connect my short code to Orange?In order to activate a short code on Orange, you would need to have a direct connection and a contract in place or alternatively you could go through an aggregator who already has a direct connection to Orange.

To gain a Direct Connection to Orange you would need to contact us on the number given below to discuss your connection requirements with our account management team. If a Direct Connection is agreed then you will need to sign a contract. After this point, you will be given access to the Orange On-Line Ordering System (SONIC) so you can place an order for the short codes that you require.

If you decide to use an Aggregator then they will order the short codes via SONIC on your behalf.

Setting up new short codes on Orange can take between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on the submission date of your order.

For more details please call 07970 773000.

How do I connect my short code to T-Mobile?In order to activate a short code on T-Mobile, you would need to have a direct connection and a contract in place or alternatively you could go through an aggregator who already has a direct connection to T-Mobile.

To gain a Direct Connection to T-Mobile you would need to contact us on the number given below to discuss your connection requirements with our account management team. If a Direct Connection is agreed then you will need to sign a contract. After this point, you will be given further information on how to connect to T-Mobile and order your short codes.

If you decide to use an Aggregator then they will order the short codes on your behalf.

Setting up new short codes on T-Mobile will take about 5 days if the MO charge is to be set up as standard rate which is 10p. If you need a different price for the MO (sent message) then it could take up to 6 weeks to connect a new short code.

For more details please call 07970 773000.

Important Note: This is guidance on connecting a shortcode to T-Mobile only, in order to connect to Virgin Mobile you will need to contact them directly and arrange this separately. Please contact Lizzie Owen on Lizzie.owen@virginmobile.com

How do I connect my short code to Vodafone?Please contact busdev@vodafone.co.uk or call 08700 700900.

How do I connect my short code to 3?In order to activate a short code on 3, you would either have to have a direct connection to 3 (based on a commercial agreement) or you connect to 3 via an aggregator.

Direct Connection to 3 – on completion of the Form B, you should send your completed customer care form which should always include your full list of short codes and copy your new connection/activation to the Amendments/New Activations page of this form. To ensure that our customer services team can assist any enquiries received regarding this service your customer care information must be correct and updated as and when necessary.

No Direct Connection to 3 (through aggregator) - to do this you would either request your own short code from the online database or use one of the Aggregators short codes. If you are using your own short code then you would need to provide permission by e-mail for that Aggregator to use your short code when they request this activation as above.

How do I connect my short code to O2?Please contact wholesaledatasupport@o2.com for more details on the connection process for O2.

What if I don't want a direct connection to any of the Networks?Direct connections to each Network are available at the operator's discretion. Alternative connection options are available via an established Aggregator who already has a direct connection to most of the Networks and a list of these can be found on Service Providers page of this site.

How long will my short code be reserved for?Short codes are reserved for 3 months.

What will happen at the end of the 3 month reservation period?After 2.5 months you will receive an automatic reminder advising that your short code will be released unless you activate it on more than one network. If you do not activate your short code on more than one network before the end of the 3 month period then it will automatically be released without further notification.

What are the costs involved?Reservation of short codes is free for 3 months, although you will be expected to connect your short code to more than one network during this time to ensure your short code is not released. The cost of connection and short codes is different for each network. Please contact the network you wish to connect to for more information.

How long will it take to get my short code live?Timescales for connection and activation of short codes vary from a couple of days to 3 weeks depending on your requirements. Please contact each network separately for a detailed timescale.

What is the process for Moving short codes between Service Providers?Send a written request, stating the code number, existing Service Provider name and proposed new Service Providers name to your existing Service Provider with a copy to your new Service Provider. Your new Service Provider will then be able to request the transfer of that code via the transfer system on short-codes.com. In case of any difficulty contact your Lead Operator.

What if I only want to activate my short code on 1 network?Short codes from the common short code ranges must be activated on more than one network. If you only wish to activate your short code on one network you will need to arrange for the network to provide you with a different short code.

Why are there reserved ranges?The reserved ranges are there for future developments. These ranges will remain reserved until further notice and short codes will not be allocated from within this range for any reason.

Can I have a short code other than those in the common range for example a 4 digit short code?To request 4, 6, 7, 8 digit short codes you need to contact each individual network operator for further details however not all networks will connect short codes from outside the Common Short Code ranges so you will not be able to operate a truly Cross Network service.

How do I cancel a short code?If your short code is only reserved and not activated on any networks you need to contact the lead operator to request cancellation and the Form B will be withdrawn. If your short code has been activated on any network you will need to contact the lead operator to cancel the reservation but you will also need to contact the network to request removal of the short code following their own process to do so.

Do I need to complete a cross network care form?Yes. On some of the networks the care form will also activate your short codes although you will need to ensure that the cross network care form is completed and sent to each network before you allow services to go live on your short codes. Click here to download the form.

If a short code is showing as already reserved for another 3rd party, is there any way I can request to reserve this code?Click on the interest link to the right of the code you will then be advised by email if and when the code is released. Please note that a number of companies may express an interest and reservations will be on a first come first served basis.

Can I activate a short code which I already have active for SMS through a different aggregator for a different service such as Video or Voice?Yes, as long as the short code is reserved in your name you can activate it for whichever service through whichever aggregator you wish, providing there are no network limitations (see question 19). If the short code is not reserved in your name and is reserved in the aggregators name you will need to gain their permission to activate the short code via a different aggregator for a different service. This will be requested in writing from the networks.

If I already have a short code reserved or active for SMS, can it automatically be used for other services such as Video or Voice?Yes, although there are some network specific limitations on which services can be offered. Please check upon reservation which services your short code can be enabled for.

Can I reserve a short code and only use it for a service other than SMS?Yes, providing that you activate it on more than one network within the 3 month period.

Why does this site not include Virgin Mobile?Virgin Mobile uses the T-Mobile network however they are currently not participants of the cross network process. For information regarding enabling short codes to be used by Virgin Mobile customers please contact Lizzie Owen on lizzie.owen@virginmobile.com

Why am I unable to view all of the short codes I have active under my account?You will currently not be able to view any short codes you have active which are in the reserved ranges.

How do I reserve a short code in the 5*** range?There is no need to reserve a short code in the 5**** range as these short codes will only be connected if you already have the short code allocated to you by ComReg. If you already have a service running in Ireland on a 5**** short code and this is not subject to any RegTel identified issues, you should contact each Network individually and follow their usual process to connect the short code.